Today's Opinions

United States veterans are traditionally honored at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the latter of which is the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

Originally, in 1938, Congress made Nov. 11 Armistice Day, a legal holiday celebrating world peace and honoring World War I veterans. In 1954, Congress amended that act to make the holiday Veterans Day, honoring American veterans of all wars. After some confusion over what date the holiday should be observed, however, Veterans Day again was designated as Nov. 11 in 1978.

This week, schools in and around Brunswick County are observing what’s commonly called Red Ribbon Week, which is taking place this year Oct. 23-31. Cedar Grove Middle School in Supply, for one, will have a mini flag football game Thursday, Oct. 30, with staff, students and members of the Wilmington Tigers Semi-Pro Football Team as part of their celebration.

Halloween is a holiday meant to be equal parts fun and frightening for all who observe it, but celebrations have the potential to turn tragic. Whether participating in traditional trick-or-treating with children or costumed revelry with adults, it is important to be safe and responsible.

Charlatans have plagued society throughout most of human history. While their methods have evolved with modern times, their goal remains unchanged: to swindle as much money as they can from honest people. Their victims, unfortunately, include many Brunswick County residents.

History has taught us not to let our guard down during hurricane season, which is in full swing with fall’s arrival. This year marks the anniversaries of four of the most devastating storms to strike our community in the past century.
Many can still remember exactly what they were doing just before Hurricane Hazel made landfall 60 years ago Oct. 15 as a Category 4 storm at the Carolinas’ state line. Hazel killed 95 people in the United States and 100 more in Canada.

Nearly all of us have done it: A friend, a family member or a coworker mentioned he is suffering from a headache or muscle sprain or anxiety attack, and you offered him a pill from one of your personal prescriptions — not because you meant to break the law, but because you did not want to see someone suffer pain.

If you were lucky, that is as far as it went, a one-time solution to an immediate problem. But even if you not realize it, chances are you know someone who is addicted and needs help.